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How to explain GDPR in plain English

Five tips and examples

Customers are starting to hear about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the new EU privacy regulations, but many are not sure what it means for them. GDPR states that all companies or organisations which use customers’ personal information must explain how they process this data.

GDPR also requires that all information provided uses ‘clear and plain language’ and is ‘concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible’. Using plain English can also help customers to understand quickly and easily.

Five tips

Avoid legal jargon and explain all terms clearly.

Create short sections with clear headings.

Use numbering and bullet lists where possible.

Keep sentences and paragraphs short.

Provide concrete examples where possible.

Example

Take a look at examples of how to apply these tips when explaining GDPR:

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new EU regulation which comes into force on 25 May 2018. Its aim is to improve privacy and give greater control to customers and citizens over their personal information and how it is used.

This guide explains how we will handle your personal information (or process your data). It also explains your rights under the new regulations.